Dogs to sniff out crime in Fiji

Six detector dogs which graduated from the Police Dog Training Centre at Trentham should be sniffing out the bad guys in Fiji by the end of the year.

The six detector dog teams from Fiji Police and the nation's Revenue and Customs Authority have completed their New Zealand training under a joint project involving Police and Customs agencies in both countries.

The aim is to boost security in Fiji - the transport and travel hub of the Pacific and a target for the drug trade and other international and organised crime.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush says the graduation follows successful programmes involving New Zealand-trained detector dogs in other Pacific nations.

“The New Zealand Police facility at Trentham is recognised throughout the Pacific region for both the quality of its dog and handler training plus partnerships with agencies in New Zealand and Pacific nations,” he says.

“The Fiji detector dog programme reflects the cooperation and commitment between Police and Customs to protect borders in New Zealand and beyond.

“This project has a focus on long-term capability and we look forward to building the relationship to ensure New Zealand plays its part in combating cross-border organised crime in the region and the trade in illicit drugs.”

Comptroller of Customs, Carolyn Tremain says an effective detector dog capability will help stop organised criminal groups using Fiji as a transit point for moving illicit goods to New Zealand and Australia.

The training is part of a three-year project under which Kiwi advisors will work alongside Fiji Customs and Police, funded through the MFAT-administered Pacific Security Fund.

The teams are expected to be operational in Fiji by the end of the year.